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Seeding is essentially complete in most parts of Saskatchewan after a slow start to the season due to spring snow and soggy conditions in many areas.
According to the weekly crop report from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, which covered the week ending on Monday, seeding is now 97 per cent done, up from the 93 per cent reported last week. Seeding is 99 per cent done in the west-central and southwest regions, the ministry said, while the southeast and northern parts of the province are sitting at 98 per cent. In the east-central region, however, seeding was sitting at 90 per cent complete.
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“Progress was slowed by rainfall and excess moisture. Despite these delays, seeding is nearing completion in almost all areas,” the ministry noted in its report.
“Provincially, good progress was made in seeding oilseed crops and perennial forages, while progress for pulse crops was notably slower. Seeding is nearly finished for key crops, including field peas, lentils, spring wheat and durum.”
While farmers have worked hard over recent weeks to get the 2026 crop in the ground, the delayed start meant the provincial average was still lagging slightly behind the five- and 10-year averages, which both sit at 99 per cent.
Saskatchewan saw variable rainfall over the week covered by the report, with some areas seeing no precipitation, while the RM of Lipton recorded 90 millimetres of rainfall. The Langenburg and Elfros regions were close behind, the ministry noted, receiving 78 mm and 74 mm of rain.
Despite the variable rain, topsoil moisture conditions stayed “relatively stable,” the report indicated, though some areas are seeing more surplus moisture.
In cropland, topsoil moisture levels were rated as 15 per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate, 10 per cent short and one per cent very short.
In hayland, moisture levels were sitting at 11 per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate, 13 per cent short and two per cent very short.
In pastures, moisture levels were rated as eight per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate, 16 per cent short and two per cent very short.
“Crop development varies due to fluctuations in rainfall and growing conditions throughout the season. While most crops are reported to be developing at a normal pace, a notable portion is also behind expected stages,” the ministry said in its report.
“Crop conditions vary by crop type, with the majority rated as fair to good. A notable proportion of crops are in excellent condition, indicating strong overall crop health. However, some variability remains across crop types and regions, reflecting differences in growing conditions.”
Damage to crops over the past week was caused by flooding, gophers and wind, the ministry explained, while some farmers reported damage caused by flea beetles and other insects.
Now that seeding is largely complete, producers are focused on applying herbicides and scouting for any signs of disease or insect damage, the ministry said.
